TOMS RIVER, N.J. — The Democrat party is running on fumes and it was evidenced by a paltry showing Friday in front of Toms River Town Hall.
A planned protest calling for a town hall from Rep. Chris Smith drew far fewer attendees than expected Friday. Only about a dozen or so people showed up despite organizers initially anticipating a crowd of hundreds.
The rally, organized by local activist Laura Piccirillo and supported by progressive groups Indivisible and Jersey Blue, aimed to pressure Smith, a longtime Republican congressman, to hold a public forum with constituents. Piccirillo had encouraged participation through social media, including Nextdoor, after visiting Smith’s office and urging others to do the same.
“I spoke with the organizer Ellen from Indivisible, and she said, ‘Yes, it was me who started the idea, and it just kept rolling,’” an online post read.
Despite the low turnout, the demonstration proceeded outside Toms River Town Hall, with participants holding signs and calling for Smith to engage with voters in a town hall setting. Smith, who has represented New Jersey’s 4th Congressional District since 1981, has faced criticism from a small handful of Democrat party activists over his accessibility.
The protest’s small attendance contrasted sharply with the initial enthusiasm, showing that the left’s agenda is out of line with the majority of Toms River residents.
Some of the protesters were out-of-towners and Democrat party operatives.